I know this is a big fat gigantic IF but… IF Branch can be the Branch of old the impact that will have on this team cannot be overstated.
Sure, BB would be our best player in secondary by a mile.
Actually I would just say if BB is league average we will be much improved. Let’s aspire for that.
Great news! That’s step 1.
For anyone who still doesn’t get it… This staff is EXTREMELY cautious when it comes to bringing players back from injury. Always assume it’ll be the longer side of the time frame when it comes to major injuries… They did it with Jamo, they did it with McNeil, they’re doing it with Branch
I can hope that he will get back to form, never expect it, and be happy if he is useful and improves the defense. I will not let you all steal my joy on a Friday morning.
Joking btw
I know zilch, nada, zippo about recovering from achilles injuries, but I’m guessing it’s highly unlikely he’ll be back at 100%. But BB at even 80% would be huge as it allows us to have him, Clark, and Izien on the field at the same time. Clark has been solid and paired with Branch, our safety group is more than adequate. Having Izien in the nickel role will be a nice upgrade as well. If Rake can stay healthy and continue to step up, the secondary won’t be the hot pile of doo doo it’s been the first 3 weeks.
Close to starting his month-long window
I’ll be astonished if Branch comes back this season to even 50% of what he was before the injury but a 30-50% Branch would be better than whatever we’re trotting out there currently.
Naw, Izien and Clark are better than half a Branch. This is the NFL.
If he can be 75% BB then he belongs on the field.
They’re fine but the middle of the field is wide open for the opposition. I think even a not full strength Branch could close some of those gaps a bit. The Lions need help everywhere in the secondary but the middle is where they’re really getting picked on.
Man, the D doesn’t just suck without him. It has none of the swagger
It’s a fine line. BB has to be better than those guys coming off injury. He will probably take some lumps at first, but he’s definitely an upgrade if he’s healthy.
Heck i would put him in there close to the line to blitz and cover shallow zones as a robber like honey badger used to if he wasnt 100% but still good enough to play.
I know the likelihood of him returning to form is significantly low, seems to be improving with medical advances but we never have thay kind of luck.
Of course it can be overstated. For example: When BB gets back on the field, the Lions’ defense won’t give up any more touchdowns for the rest of the season.
Oh wait, it gets better: When BB gets back on the field, every pass attempt will be pick-sixed for the rest of the season.
Yeah, we can overstate the impact.
Yes, between having him on the sideline and as much as it pains me to say wtf is going on with Capt Jack, the intensity simply hasn’t been there. If we get him back after the bye I would be very happy.
Sounds right to me
Be prepared to be astonished
Thats the right attitude, Branch is coming back better than before and we are going to become the best defense in the league not lose another game in route to the SB!!!
